# BoosterBuddy — user reviews > 144 indexed App Store user reviews of BoosterBuddy by Island Health, rated 4.70/5 from 136 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boosterbuddy/id906538988/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boosterbuddy/id906538988.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 112 · 4★ 12 · 3★ 6 · 2★ 3 · 1★ 3 ## What do users think of BoosterBuddy? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface - 🚀 Gamification elements enhance engagement - 💡 Integrates evidence-based mental health strategies - 👍 Provides a sense of responsibility and purpose - 👍 Helpful for depression and procrastination - 👍 Cute and fun way to track moods and learn about oneself - 👍 Wonderful coping mechanisms and resources - 👍 Encourages small, manageable tasks for self-care **Cons** - 💡 Lack of customization options - 💡 Insufficient guidance on therapeutic techniques - 💡 Absence of social features and peer support - 💡 Design may feel outdated or juvenile for older users - 💡 Focuses solely on individual mental health management, overlooking external factors - 🐛 Glitches with task deletion and notifications - 🐛 Buddy's face/appearance issues **Commonly reported bugs** - Inability to remove the app from the phone - Coins/progress disappearing after updates - Notifications not working properly - Buddy's face/appearance issues **Most requested features** - Ability to check-in and track mood multiple times per day - Option to customize buddy's appearance and personality - Inclusion of coping strategies for specific issues (e.g., eating disorders, self-harm, intrusive thoughts) - Integration of journaling and note-taking functionality - Addition of physical symptom tracking - Passcode or login option for privacy - More diverse and age-appropriate content and design ## Newest reviews (14 of 144) ### 4/5 — Fix this please!!!!!!! *2023-08-01, version 1.8* Edit: fixed. Thank you so much!! Please fix my buddy’s face!!! after I complete the three quests, the snout on my buddy moves downward and blocks the second tooth and most of the mouth. It looks weird and I would really appreciate it if someone could please check this out!! As soon as this bug is fixed, this app gets the 5 stars it deserves! ### 4/5 — It’s Been a Good Run *2021-06-04, version 1.8* I’ve had this app since I heard of it in High School. Now that Island Health has announced the app’s eventual retirement I’m pretty sad to see it go. I’ll be missing my buddy when system upgrades cause the app to be put out of operation. This app was a good way to help me track my appointments and medications and especially had a heavy database of coping methods which I very often forget. I’m glad it has listened to some feedback when the last time it updated, it added coping methods for OCD and eating disorders. While it was a bit laggy the longer I had this app, I understood this was just because of some technical limitations of the entity behind BoosterBuddy. I wished there were more buddies to be added, but with the announcement I realize that wasn’t ever to be. Regardless, I hope to find apps like these soon. Thank you to Island Health and BoosterBuddy for being my first mental health care app. ### 4/5 — Anyone else😂 *2021-05-13, version 1.7* who else got suggested by kids help phone and now uses this app everyday ### 4/5 — It’s nice but needs some of work *2021-02-01, version 1.7* I like this app a lot. Kids help phone recommended it to me and it’s nice. I really want there to be an age thing with more modern characters. Like section for 8 and under, 9-12, 13+ it would really help. Because I’m a teen now and I feel it’s to Kid like for me. It’s caused me not to really get help from this app. The older you are the more it will talk The way it should to someone that age. I don’t like that it talks to me like I’m 5. That’s my opinion though ### 4/5 — 🥲 *2021-01-20, version 1.7* So I’ve had this on my phone for years and it’s really helped, but I finally got to level 99 and I’ve been looking forward to it for a while, because I wanted to buy the little crown. But on my new phone I can’t scroll far enough down to hit the purchase button. It’s covered up by the menu bar. Anyone know if there is a way? ### 5/5 — Wonderful *2020-11-17, version 1.7* This app is amazing and makes the world of difference. I just keep it on my phone and when days seem really hard I always reach for this app. It is wonderfully worded and I love the quotes and the layout. Give this app a chance! Definitely worth it. ### 5/5 — I love it *2020-07-23, version 1.7* I never rly write reviews for apps, but I rly liked this one so I thought I should. This app has helped me so much, lately I have been having a lot more suicidal thoughts and this app made me feel a lot better. I would definitely recommend it. ### 4/5 — Awesome *2020-07-22, version 1.7* This is an awesome app and it is so helpful, except I do it before bed and it’s frustrating having to do sag stuff before bed. I wish this app changed the activities depending on the time of day. Otherwise, this is a very helpful app. ### 4/5 — :) *2020-06-09, version 1.7* I use for my panic disorder and autism can you add some coping mechanisms for that please? Also my buddy’s nose is glitched and it looks weird and reminders go off at the wrong times. Please fix so it helps me more thank you very much developers :) ### 5/5 — Good for side-help. *2020-04-22, version 1.7* I use this app every day... it’s good to check in once in a while and have a fluffy friend to talk to you. It would be nice if there were more outfit choices and if you were going through something, there were games and activities you could do on the app to distract you if you are freaking out or something. Also maybe if there could be a passcode on the app...? But overall, I 100% recommended this app to anyone who wants just a daily check in and some tools to help them succeed. This app will not cure anything or instantly make you feel better, it’s a step in the right direction. And with some consistency, you will notice a difference. ❤️ ### 5/5 — So good *2020-02-18, version 1.7* My therapist recommended this app to me and it’s so helpful. ### 4/5 — Love it *2020-01-04, version 1.7* Used this for a few years and helped track my emotions Only thing that can make it better if there was a big update, more of a modern look, new buddies, etc ### 5/5 — Great app! *2019-09-29, version 1.7* It’s a fantastic app but it really has to be updated! There should be more creatures, more tasks, more things you can buy for the creatures etc. I’ve had the app on and off for quite some time now and there hasn’t been any updates. ### 5/5 — Amazing! *2019-09-21, version 1.7* I’ve been using Booster Buddy for over 4 years now, and this new update is fantastic! I really want to thank the developers for this amazing app. It’s gotten me out of some dark times just knowing the Flitz is waiting for me, even if no one else is. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Fix this please!!!!!!! *2021-02-18, version 1.7* Please fix my buddy’s face!!! after I complete the three quests, the snout on my buddy moves downward and blocks the second tooth and most of the mouth. It looks weird and I would really appreciate it if someone could please check this out!! As soon as this bug is fixed, this app gets the 5 stars it deserves! ### 2/5 — BoosterBuddy Review *2025-02-03, version 1.8* Rating: I would give BoosterBuddy a 2.5/5 rating. Strengths BoosterBuddy’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing new users to quickly navigate the app, interact with their virtual buddy, complete quests, and access mental health resources. The short, manageable activities make it easy to integrate the app into a busy adolescent schedule, which is especially important given the demands of school, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. The app effectively supports its primary goal of supporting teens in managing their mental health by utilizing gamification strategies. Users complete small tasks to improve their well-being while interacting with visually appealing, animated characters, reinforcing consistent use and a sense of achievement. Research demonstrates that gamification elements—such as earning rewards, completing tasks, and interacting with virtual characters—can enhance user engagement, especially among adolescents (Hamari et al., 2014). Studies by Hamari et al. (2014) indicate that gamified elements foster intrinsic motivation and sustained use by creating a sense of achievement. BoosterBuddy effectively incorporates these principles through its “quests,” encouraging users to complete small, manageable tasks like taking medications, drinking water, or practicing mindfulness. The app’s design capitalizes on adolescents’ heightened sensitivity to rewards, a response linked to puberty-related changes in the limbic system (Steinberg, 2014). This approach aligns with developmental research emphasizing the role of positive reinforcement during adolescence (Steinberg, 2014). Additionally, BoosterBuddy integrates evidence-based mental health strategies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices. These approaches align with best practices in adolescent mental health interventions. The inclusion of structured check-ins and coping strategies can serve as a valuable entry point for teens seeking to develop self-regulation skills. Weaknesses Despite its strengths, BoosterBuddy has several limitations. One of the primary drawbacks is the lack of customization options. Users cannot significantly personalize their virtual “buddy” or tailor the tasks to their specific needs, which may reduce long-term engagement. Some adolescents might feel disconnected if they cannot adapt the app to their personal preferences or cultural backgrounds, as this is a time when they are actively exploring different parts of their identity (Laser & Nicotera, 2021). While BoosterBuddy avoids overt stereotypes, it does not provide options for tailoring content to diverse cultural or socioeconomic contexts. The app’s generalized coping strategies may not resonate with all users, particularly those from communities with different stressors or cultural attitudes toward mental health. Another limitation is the app’s reliance on self-guided use without sufficient explanation of its therapeutic techniques. While BoosterBuddy incorporates CBT and mindfulness practices, it does not provide in-depth explanations or guidance on how to apply these techniques effectively. Adolescents who are unfamiliar with these concepts may struggle to apply the strategies independently. According to Kazdin and Blase (2011), self-help tools are most effective when paired with some form of professional support or detailed instruction. BoosterBuddy could improve its impact by providing optional, interactive tutorials or videos to help users better understand and implement these practices. The app’s design for solo use may also be a disadvantage. Adolescents often benefit from peer support, and the absence of social features—such as moderated forums or peer support groups—limits opportunities for connection. According to Laser & Nicotera, social media can have a positive impact on supporting adolescent development and friendship maintenance (2021). Incorporating option social components could enhance the app’s effectiveness in fostering a sense of community and reducing isolation. Additionally, BoosterBuddy’s design feels somewhat outdated compared to other mental health apps available on the market. The app’s tone and design may feel overly simplistic for older users, such as those in their late teens or early twenties. For example, the language used around having a “buddy” may feel juvenile to some adolescents, potentially reducing engagement among this demographic. According to Twenge (2017), older adolescents and young adults often seek more mature, nuanced tools for self-care, and BoosterBuddy could improve its appeal to this demographic by allowing users to customize their interface or select a more sophisticated mode of interaction. From a broader developmental perspective, Laser and Nicotera (2021) emphasize the importance of a multisystemic-ecological approach to understanding adolescent development and well-being. This framework considers the complex interactions between individual, family, school, community, and societal factors that influence adolescents’ behaviors and well-being. However, BoosterBuddy primarily focuses on individual mental health management, placing the burden solely on the user to track and regulate their well-being. This approach overlooks external factors—such as family dynamics, peer relationships, and school environment—that significantly impact adolescent mental health. A more comprehensive app would integrate features that acknowledge and address these contextual influences, rather than reinforcing an individualized approach that may be counterproductive. ### 2/5 — .. *2018-12-21, version 1.6* I can’t do the first quest because there’s no nearby hospitals ### 2/5 — Used to enjoy *2017-06-06, version 1.5* This app used to be helpful in planning my day, but none of the tasks now available to me after the latest update are relevant. I much preferred the app before this update. ### 3/5 — Problem *2024-10-27, version 1.8* I can't remove the app from my phone, what should I do? ### 3/5 — Good app *2020-05-29, version 1.7* please add coping skills for social anxiety! ### 3/5 — Notifications don’t work *2019-06-30, version 1.6* This app is really good with motivation and helping to feed you ideas on what to do when you complete check in. However, notifications have NEVER worked for me when I set them up for appointments or to do events. It’s really annoying cause it feels like it makes the reminder setting pointless. ### 3/5 — Lol when *2019-06-13, version 1.6* Lol when ### 3/5 — Okay *2019-05-19, version 1.6* This app is for people suffering with really bad health problems and have mostly seen a doctor.It won’t help you otherwise ### 3/5 — Review *2018-09-11, version 1.6* BoosterBuddy provides a fun user experience that also gave sound advice about self-care rooted in evidence-based theories. The app provided a space for self expression via the avatar and validation and positive e feedback from completing the daily quests. Medication and mood logs gave helpful information back to the adolescent to reflect on. The app lost points because of lack of accessibility and a privacy policy which did not allow for a user is and password for security. However, with improvements to privacy and accesibilitY, BoosterBuddy could be the app that gives adolescents a space to monitor their mental health and improve self care on their own terms. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Please upload these resources to a website *2025-12-02, version 1.8* I have been using this app for years and it has gotten me through many difficult times. I know the app will no longer be supported, so can the owners of the app please upload all the information/resources from it onto a website somewhere? ### 5/5 — Great mental health tool *2023-06-09, version 1.8* I used to use this app all the time and recently started back up. It’s a simple, cute, and fun way to track moods and learn about yourself. I was sad to find out they will no longer be updating the app but glad to know I can still use it! ### 5/5 — Sad to see it’s retiring…. *2023-04-06, version 1.8* I really wish this had been able to continue, there’s no other app quite like it, and it was really helpful. Will use it until it doesn’t work anymore. ### 5/5 — One of the best Apps Ever *2022-10-20, version 1.8* I’ve been using booster buddy for a really, really long time. Sad to see it no longer gets updated, but grateful that I still have the app downloaded! Thank you so much for everything. ### 5/5 — THANK YOU! *2022-06-16, version 1.8* I got this around four days ago and has helped so much so quickly! I keep getting a notification saying it will be discontinued in 2021, but it’s 2022? Other than that it’s amazing I definitely recommend ❤️ ### 5/5 — Thoughtful and helpful *2022-03-16, version 1.8* I’ve had this app for years now and honestly I do not use it very much. But when I do, it is full of helpful guides, knowledge, and care. Even when I’m really down, my lil buddy manages to put a smile on my face. It’s a great app that has an easy-to-use interface and a welcoming aspect, and it is full of helpful tools and truths/facts that clearly shows the creators behind this know what they are doing. Thank you guys. ### 5/5 — such an amazing app *2022-02-04, version 1.8* absolutely the best self - care/wellness app i’ve ever used. it has truly helped me so much to be kinder to myself and be more productive. wish i could give it infinite stars. absolutely no complaints or issues. ### 5/5 — This app helps me so much *2021-08-30, version 1.8* Great for depression and procrastination imo. The app helps me do small and simple things to get out of my bad states. I’ve actually just finished a book that I postponed to read months ago. So I really appreciate it and the developers who created this app. ### 5/5 — Incredible, please do not retire this! *2021-06-07, version 1.8* I am incredibly saddened that IslandHealth has decided to retire this app. It has a very unique concept to it and like others have said, having the responsibility to wake your “buddy” up everyday really does help people who struggle with mental health issues and even possibly getting up everyday themselves to do things. I’ve benefited a lot from this app and I hope that IslandHealth will reconsider and find a way to keep it up even if they do not want to be associated with it any longer. I really think it’s cool that my health region and some local young people could come together and make this app what it is! ### 5/5 — best app ever! *2021-06-06, version 1.8* this is the best app ever. i’ve downloaded different apps to help with my anxiety and none of them worked except for this one, i love it. it gives you simple tasks every day and they really help. if im feeling down or in a crisis i go to this app. download it, you won’t regret it. thank you for creating this app. <3 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-05.*